Daily Readings - Tue Jun 03 2025
Acts
17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.18When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia.19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.20You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.21I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.22"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.23I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.25"Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.26Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.27For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.
John
1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:2"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.6"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and unity. The first reading from Acts 20:17-27 captures Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. Paul reflects on his ministry, acknowledging the trials he faced and his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. He expresses his readiness to face future challenges in Jerusalem, emphasizing that his life’s purpose is to complete the mission entrusted to him by God. This passage highlights Paul’s courage and dedication, setting an example for all believers to remain faithful despite adversity.
The Gospel reading from John 17:1-11a presents Jesus in a moment of intimate prayer with the Father. Jesus prays not only for His disciples but for all who will believe through their testimony. He petitions for unity among believers, that they may be one as He and the Father are one. This prayer underscores the divine desire for harmony and oneness among all Christians, a unity that reflects the love and unity within the Trinity.
These readings intertwine themes of unity and perseverance. Paul’s address and Jesus’ prayer both emphasize the importance of remaining faithful and united. Paul’s commitment to his mission despite trials mirrors Jesus’ prayer for unity, illustrating that our faith must be lived out in harmony with others. In our daily lives, we are called to strive for unity, supporting one another and working towards common goals. Just as Jesus prayed for us, we should pray for the unity of our communities and the Church, emulating the oneness of the Father and the Son.
The moral lesson here is clear: unity and perseverance are essential in our walk of faith. As Paul faced challenges with courage, so too can we face our own trials with resilience. Jesus’ prayer reminds us that our unity is a reflection of God’s love. Let us commit to fostering harmony in our relationships and communities, just as Jesus desired. Through prayer and mutual support, we can overcome any challenge, united in our faith and purpose.